Xi Jinping holds talks with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa_Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America

On the afternoon of May 31, 2024, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who is visiting China for a state visit and the ceremony of Opening of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum. The two heads of state announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Bahrain.

Xi Jinping stressed that Bahrain is a good friend and partner of China in the Gulf region. Although the two countries have different national conditions, they have always treated each other sincerely and maintained friendly relations. In recent years, under the joint leadership of the two heads of state, China-Bahraini relations have enjoyed steady and healthy development. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bahrain. The two sides agreed to upgrade China-Bahrain relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new stage in the history of China-Bahraini relations. China is ready to work with Bahrain to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed that China firmly supports Bahrain's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and stability and pursue an independent development path, and supports Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and its diversified development strategy. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Bahrain in areas such as energy, investment, transportation, new energy and digital economy, and achieve more results in high-quality cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road. The two sides should strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and facilitate personnel exchanges to continuously strengthen public support for China-Bahraini friendship. China upholds mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among countries with different systems and civilizations, and supports the efforts of Middle East countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, achieve peace and reconciliation, and promote development and revitalization. China is ready to work with Bahrain and other regional countries to further advance China's relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, ensure the success of the Second China-Arab Summit, and accelerate the building a Sino-Arab community with a shared future. The two sides should strengthen communication and coordination on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that China is a great country and Bahrain is deeply grateful for China's important support for its national development. Bahrain hopes to use the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as an opportunity to synergize the development strategies of the two countries and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, in order to contribute to Bahrain's diversified development. Bahrain highly appreciates and fully supports China's noble values ​​and rational and wise policy proposals. As long as China develops well, other developing countries can do the same, and the process towards a multipolar world can continue to advance. Bahrain firmly believes that China will realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and make greater contributions to world peace and prosperity. Bahrain respects the one-China principle and supports the peaceful reunification of China. Bahrain stands ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to better ensure that people of all countries enjoy equal rights to livelihood and development. Bahrain is also ready to work with China to promote an early conclusion of the GCC-China free trade agreement, carry forward the spirit of Arab-China friendship, and jointly build an Arab-China community with a shared future in the new time.

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presented the recent 33rd ordinary session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit, particularly the position of the Arab States on the Palestinian issue and their efforts to end the Gaza conflict . END. He expressed appreciation and thanks for China's committed efforts to uphold justice, and said he looked forward to greater contributions from China in this regard. Xi Jinping stressed that China and Bahrain share the same position on the Palestinian issue. China appreciates Arab States speaking with one voice on the Palestinian-Israeli issue at the Arab League summit and is ready to work with Bahrain and other Arab States to reach a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible. , just and lasting of the Palestinian question.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as investment, green and low-carbon development, e-commerce and Digital Economy.

The two sides also issued a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Bahrain on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the square in front of the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.

When Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived, the guard of honor lined up to greet him. As the two heads of state took the podium, the military band played the national anthems of China and Bahrain, and a 21-gun salute was fired at Tian'anmen Square. Accompanied by Xi Jinping, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa reviewed the honor guard of the People's Liberation Army and attended the parade.

In the evening, Xi Jinping hosted a welcome banquet for Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Yi was present at the above events.